Med student at Linn Benton looks to save lives while earning a scholarship

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - A scholarship earned by a Lane County college student can also mean saving the lives of others.

Eugene resident Megan Martin is currently attending Linn Benton Community College in Albany. She dreams of starting a career at the RiverBend hospital in Springfield, ultimately as a CT tech for medical imaging.

But for now, she's trying to get through the beginning of her school term.

“It's a 2-year program, so unfortunately, it's still going to cost me $21,000 to go there,” said Martin. “So, I'm all for any opportunity to jump on a scholarship."

And she found a very unique one.

Martin will be holding a blood drive in front of Panera Bread at the Gateway Shoppes in Springfield. The blood bus, generously offered by the Lane Blood Center, will be parked there for donations.

She says if she gets 25 people to donate, she'll receive $400; If 35 people donate, she'll receive $500 towards a scholarship.

As for the $21,000, megan says she's not far off.

“Close, maybe about a thousand-ish,” said Martin. “So this would get me really close to that, you know? I'm living at home, saving money."

It's free to donate, it should not take more than 30 minutes and you'll get a free pastry.

"I just figured what better way than to help someone further their education as well as save someone's life,” said Martin.

Saving the lives of those who are medically in need of a blood donation.

The blood donation is set up for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like to donate, go to the blood bus in front of Panera Bread in the Gateway Shoppes.